Uzumaki Raiden's arm rested lightly on the shoulder of the bandit leader. The two companions he had thrown into the Wilderness had already been killed by Kakashi, and the other bandit who had stood with him before had also fallen into a pool of blood.
The bandit leader hadn't even seen when his last companion was killed. However, as a ninja, his sense of smell was still sharp, and he could detect the faint scent of blood coming from the young man beside him.
The person who had silently killed his companion was most likely the red-haired young man standing next to him.
"No, don't kill me!"
"Please don't kill me!"
Feeling the weight on his shoulder, the bandit leader didn't dare to move and begged for his life. He was fully aware of the vast difference in strength between them. If this young man could appear beside him unnoticed, then he could just as easily eliminate him without a trace. Facing such an opponent, the bandit leader didn't even have the courage to resist.
"Don't worry, I'm just curious about a few things. As long as you answer me honestly, I'll give you a chance to live."
Raiden's smile faded as he examined the bandit.
"The curse marks on those three earlier were likely created by Orochimaru."
"I could never mistake the presence of natural energy."
"However, it seems Orochimaru hasn't fully perfected the curse seal. Those who activated it at the moment of death couldn't utilize its full power."
"It must be a failed experiment."
"But the guy in front of me seems to know about this, which is why he threw his companion out as a shield."
Raiden analyzed the situation as he studied the bandit. After a moment, he reached for Sakegari no Tachi and cut open the bandit leader's clothing.
"Ahhhhh!!!!"
The cold steel against his skin sent shivers through the bandit leader's body, and he let out a terrified scream. He thought Raiden was about to kill him, and fear consumed him.
"What are you screaming for? Shut up!"
Raiden snapped, momentarily startled. At his shout, the bandit immediately fell silent, though his body continued trembling—whether from the cold or sheer terror, it was hard to tell.
"Just as I thought."
Raiden spotted a strange imprint on the bandit leader's chest. Surrounding the mark was a circle of simple lines, forming a sealing technique.
Recognizing it, Uzumaki Raiden's expression became clear. Earlier, he hadn't sensed any natural energy from the bandit because of the seal, but now that the curse mark was exposed, he could see it for what it was.
The power of the curse seal held no value for Raiden himself, but for other Konoha shinobi, it could serve as a valuable enhancement. If its risks could be mitigated, it would function as a lower-tier version of the Eight Gates Technique, allowing weaker shinobi to fight above their usual level.
It could enable those who were once powerless to defeat opponents they otherwise couldn't.
In essence, this was an advanced form of scientific ninja tools.
Raiden crouched beside the bandit leader, closely inspecting the markings on his body. The bandit leader, noticing Raiden's interest, felt his initial fear give way to pure despair.
"As expected of Orochimaru, using Senjutsu in such a form."
"Has he already obtained Jūgo? Or is this a curse seal derived from Ryūchi Cave's Sage Techniques?"
"Looks like I need to contact Orochimaru."
Raiden stroked his chin before swiftly slashing Sakegari no Tachi across the bandit leader's neck.
"Urgh…"
As his throat was sliced open, the curse seal binding him was also lifted. Clutching his wound, the bandit leader fell to his knees beside Raiden. Within moments, his breath ceased entirely.
"Clean up. We're heading to Aoyagi Town to meet an old friend."
Raiden's Kagura Mind's Eye had already been fully activated. In the town nearby, he had sensed Orochimaru's chakra. But alongside it, there was another presence—one both familiar and slightly foreign.
He couldn't wait to meet the owner of that chakra.
"Yahiko, long time no see."
Raiden felt a wave of emotions as he turned toward his carriage. Uchiha Itachi and the others, hearing his words, removed the massive tree blocking the road before rejoining the convoy.
With the danger now gone, the travelers who had been captured by the bandits returned to their carts, and the convoy resumed its journey.
Encounters with bandits on the road had become common these days. Most of the travelers were merchants accustomed to the dangers of trade routes. They assumed Raiden and his group were simply hired shinobi and, without further questions, carried on as usual.
By evening, the convoy arrived in Aoyagi Town, located in the Land of Tea.
This town was a key trading hub, famous for its high-quality green tea. Unlike settlements built on plains, Aoyagi Town was nestled within tea-covered hills.
It was springtime, and the Land of Tea enjoyed mild temperatures and frequent spring rains. After months of winter dormancy, the tea plants were lush and vibrant.
As the convoy reached the base of the tea mountains, a faint, pleasant aroma of fresh tea drifted through the air.
The steep slopes led to a well-maintained mountain path that wound up toward the town. Aoyagi Town was fairly large, with nearly a thousand households—a significant size for a town in the ninja world.
Even though night was falling, the streets were still bustling. Traders moved about, supervising the loading and unloading of goods.
"Master, we've arrived!"
Uchiha Itachi peeked out from the carriage, taking in the lively scene. He turned back, his youthful face filled with excitement as he addressed Raiden.
During his travels with Raiden, Itachi had seen many towns, but most had been war-torn and struggling to recover. However, Aoyagi Town was different. It had a peaceful and prosperous atmosphere.
"You guys find a place to stay for the night. Tomorrow, we'll explore the town and buy some spring tea."
"I have someone to meet."
Raiden stepped out of the carriage and left without further explanation.
Uchiha Itachi and the others exchanged glances, confusion evident in their expressions. None of them knew why Raiden had left so suddenly.
"Master Raiden must have his own business to attend to. Let's find an inn first."
"He'll return once he's finished."
Kakashi reassured them before leading the group into town.
Meanwhile, inside a teahouse in Aoyagi Town, two individuals clad in Akatsuki's cloud-patterned robes sat across from each other, sipping tea and enjoying refreshments.
The orange-haired young man occasionally glanced out the window, watching the passing pedestrians, as if waiting for someone.
Across from him, Orochimaru sat in silence.
"Could it be…?"
The orange-haired youth's eyes suddenly narrowed as he spotted a figure at the end of the street. He whispered in disbelief.
Curious, Orochimaru followed his gaze and saw a red-haired young man, a sword at his waist, approaching them with a smile.
The moment Orochimaru laid eyes on him, his expression flickered. The face was unmistakable.
It was none other than a long-separated junior—Uzumaki Raiden!
"Why is he here?!"
Orochimaru's expression darkened, but his gaze quickly shifted to his companion. The orange-haired youth seemed to know Raiden.
(End of this chapter)